Get started with IMAP and POP3

POP and IMAP is what allows you to download messages from Gmail's servers onto your computer so you can access your mail with a program like Microsoft Outlook or Thunderbird, even when you aren't connected to the Internet.

If you're trying to decide between using POP and IMAP, we encourage you to use IMAP.

Unlike POP, IMAP offers two-way communication between your web Gmail and your email client. This means when you log in to Gmail using a web browser, actions you perform on email clients and mobile devices (ex: putting mail in a 'work' folder) will instantly and automatically appear in Gmail (ex: it will already have a 'work' label on that email the next time you sign in).

IMAP also provides a better method to access your mail from multiple devices. If you check your email at work, on your mobile phone, and again at home, IMAP ensures that new mail is accessible from any device at any given time.

Some clients may behave in unexpected ways when you set up automatic email replies. We recommend using Gmail’s vacation responder, configurable in Gmail Settings, rather than one provided by the IMAP or POP client. Learn more.

Select an option below for instructions on how to enable POP or IMAP

I want to enable IMAP

I want to enable POP

Once you've enabled IMAP in your Gmail settings, you need to configure your client. Select a client below to see specific configuration instructions.

Android

BlackBerry

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Outlook / Windows Mail

Apple Mail

Thunderbird

Other

If you're setting up IMAP for the first time, confirm your settings to make sure they're correct

Ok, confirm my settings

No thanks

If you're setting up IMAP for the first time, confirm your settings to make sure they're correct

Ok, confirm my settings

No thanks

If you're setting up IMAP for the first time, confirm your settings to make sure they're correct

Ok, confirm my settings

No thanks

Once you've enabled POP in your Gmail settings, you need to configure your client. Select a client below to see specific configuration instructions.

Apple Mail

BlackBerry

iPhone

Outlook

Thunderbird

Windows Mail

Other

If you're setting up POP for the first time, confirm your settings to make sure they're correct

Ok, confirm my settings

No thanks

If you're setting up POP for the first time, confirm your settings to make sure they're correct

Ok, confirm my settings

No thanks

If you're setting up POP for the first time, confirm your settings to make sure they're correct

Ok, confirm my settings

No thanks

If you're setting up POP for the first time, confirm your settings to make sure they're correct